Steven Spielberg and Apple Strike Amazing Stories Reboot Deal

Apple is getting into the original content game and, though their strategy is going to differ pretty significantly from what Netflix is doing, that doesn't mean they aren't going to go after huge projects with big names attached. As such, it has just been announced that Apple is going to produce a reboot of the critically-acclaimed 80s series Amazing Stories. Creator Steven Spielberg is on board as a producer, with Bryan Fuller (Hannibal) aboard the creative team for the series as well. Apparently, Fuller leaving Star Trek: Discovery didn't hurt his career any, as this looks to be a major project.

The Hollywood Reporter broke the news about the Amazing Stories reboot, which was originally said to be one of the projects that Apple was interested in last month. The deal is said to include 10-episodes, but there's currently no timetable for when the series will premiere, or exactly how Apple is going to launch Amazing Stories. This deal comes as part of a much larger deal between Apple and NBCUniversal. Here's what NBC Entertainment President Jennifer Salke had to say about the Amazing Stories reboot in a statement.

"It's wonderful to be reunited with our colleagues Zack [Van Amburg] and Jamie [Erlicht] in their new capacity at Apple. We love being at the forefront of Apple's investment in scripted programming, and can't think of a better property than Spielberg's beloved Amazing Stories franchise with the genius of Bryan Fuller at the helm and more exciting creative partnerships to come."

Apple has reportedly been approached by Hollywood talent frequently about potential projects, but the company has only bid on a few, choice projects, with Amazing Stories being one of the things that worked out. They also reportedly bid on the One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest spinoff from Ryan Murphy, Ratched, but that ultimately went to Netflix. That likely has to do with a willingness to spend.

According to THR's report, Apple is looking to spend about $1 billion in their first year of original programming, whereas Netflix is spending roughly $6 billion this year. That means Netflix will probably be able to muscle out a lot of rival bidders for projects, but it's going to come at a major cost. Apple has the money, but the apparently aren't opening the money clip hastily for their original programming.

Having Steven Spielberg involved in the Amazing Stories reboot is a huge deal for Apple, as his name will attract a lot of attention. The series originally ran for two seasons from 1985 to 1987 and won five Emmy Awards. If Apple can update the sci-fi drama for modern audiences, it could prove to be something that garners their original content a lot of attention out of the gate. The Hollywood Reporter doesn't have any information as to when we can expect to see the Amazing Stories reboot, but we will be sure to keep you up to date as more information on the series is made available.